China has its own way of housing large populations at detention centers, and criticism of Beijing's human rights abuses against Uyghuers and other minorities held against their will has set up a clash between the communist country and Western capitalism. 

In response to criticism and economic boycotts of its products involving forced labor, China launched its own public relations campaign against Western brands. Celebrities critical of China's human rights abuses have severed ties to major brands like Nike and Adidas, H&M is facing an economic boycott, and Burberry lost a lucrative deal with Tencent Games over the increasing tensions.

At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in the Xinjiang region. Human rights groups accuse China of using prison labor and forcibly sterilizing women. International companies and big-name celebrities have taken a stand against China's policies, and the communist superpower is fighting fire with fire in a new PR campaign of its own.

SEE CHINA'S WAR OF WORDS WITH COMPANIES, CELEBRITIES

Start spreading the news; New York is close to legalizing marijuana.

That's the word out of the Empire State as lawmakers have cleared the way for decriminalization and recreational use. Although the bill is far from a done deal, the state has reached agreement over the legal parameters and budgetary regulations that could have New Yorkers firing up soon.

The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act would impose a 9% tax on the sale of cannabis and related products, generating an estimated $350 million in annual revenue for a state facing budget deficits and a shrinking tax base. The proposed bill assigns specific spending measures to go toward education, social equity and drug treatment programs.

Other hurdles lawmakers were able to overcome in striking a deal involve setting limits on legal possession (3 ounces or less), addressing driving under the influence enforcement, and establishing the number of plants residents are allowed to grow for personal use (12 plants per household).

FIND OUT HOW LONG BEFORE NEW YORKERS CAN LIGHT UP

Few things are more disgusting than those glow-in-the-day marshmellow Peeps that magically appear every Easter, but some marketing genius has finally found a way by offering the pastel-colored Peeps in liquid form.

Pepsi announced the launch of the Pepsi x Peeps Soda on Thursday, unveiling brightly hued cans that match the Easter basket staples. The beverage/candy mashup will feature the familiar taste of the iconic soft drink with a springtime twist of the distinct Peeps marshmallow flavor.

For Peeps and Pepsi fans (or just the morbidly curious), the brands are offering the opportunity to win a three-pack of the new concoction, which will come inside a Peeps-inspired design of 7.5-ounce Pepsi mini-cans.

The colors of the cans will include bright yellow, blue and pink. The 10 grand prize winners will receive a collector’s package of the Pepsi x Peeps collaboration -- and the losers will actually be forced to drink it.

FIND OUT HOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR FREE PEEP-SI

Peeps have developed a cult-following since their invention in 1953. What American town drops a jumbo-sized Peep at midnight on New Year's?

(Thursday's answer: Granula was the first commercial breakfast cereal. Invented in 1863, it was so tough that it had to soak in milk overnight.)

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